VideoSurf and Verizon Wireless Debut Video Discovery Mobile App

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and SAN MATEO, Calif., June 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- VideoSurf, the leader in video discovery, today announced a new mobile application that is now available on millions of smartphones from Verizon Wireless.  VideoSurf's innovative app lets customers discover, search and identify video available on any device – including TV episodes, movies, music videos and video clips – by doing a visual and audio search using a smartphone, or by typing a query directly into the app.  

With VideoSurf's mobile app, customers can discover videos by simply pointing their phones at a television or computer screen to capture a few seconds of what they are watching.  Using patented computer vision technology, VideoSurf will quickly identify the episode and celebrities, provide more information about what was identified and suggest other videos to watch.  Customers can let their friends know what they are watching and help them discover new videos or other content by posting directly to Facebook® and Twitter™.

"Mobile represents a new era for video consumption and we look forward to providing users with the best way to discover videos and content on their smartphones," said Lior Delgo, chief executive officer and co-founder of VideoSurf.  "We are proud to be working with Verizon as it gives us a tremendous opportunity to reach millions with our new video discovery app."

"VideoSurf offers a new and different way to experience video on your phone.  Not only does it show off the power of our leading wireless network and wide range of devices, it gives customers the ability to share and enjoy video with their friends," said Ed Ruth, director, business development and strategic partnerships at Verizon Wireless.  "Working with VideoSurf shows how powerful it can be to bring network, distribution and innovative ideas together."

VideoSurf helps customers discover videos they want to watch, wherever they want to watch them.  In addition to audio recognition, VideoSurf uses proprietary visual recognition technology to "see" inside videos, providing superior results and an enhanced user experience.

The VideoSurf mobile app is available at no charge on select Verizon Wireless smartphones with V CAST Apps from the Verizon Channel in Android Market™.  The app will be preloaded on additional 4G LTE smartphones available from Verizon Wireless later this year.  

VideoSurf reaches more than 20 million unique users per month, including more than 14 million who visit www.videosurf.com.  The company was founded by a team of proven entrepreneurs and leading experts in search, computer vision and fast computation, who came together to develop advanced solutions for video discovery.  

Earlier this year, Verizon Ventures, the investment arm of Verizon Communications, made a strategic investment in VideoSurf.  The investment enables VideoSurf to continue to scale the company and further develop products powered by its patented computer vision technology.  

For more information on VideoSurf, visit www.videosurf.com/mobile.  For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.    To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Verizon Ventures

Verizon Ventures seeks out promising entrepreneurial companies to drive innovation in Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) business units.  Verizon Ventures focuses on new products, technologies, applications and services that complement Verizon networks, service platforms and distribution channels. For more information visit www.verizon.com/ventures.

About VideoSurf

VideoSurf is the leading video discovery company.  The company mission is to help consumers find what to watch from the world of video in an experience that is uniquely theirs.  VideoSurf combines social insights with patented computer vision technology to discover, search and identify videos on any device.   In addition to audio recognition, VideoSurf's technology "sees" frames inside videos, providing superior search relevancy and an enhanced user experience.  VideoSurf reaches over 20 million unique users per month, including over 14 million who visit www.videosurf.com.  VideoSurf was founded by a team of proven entrepreneurs and leading experts in search, multi-grid techniques, computer vision and fast computation: Lior Delgo, CEO, Prof. Achi Brandt, Chief Scientist; Dr. Eitan Sharon, Chief Technology Officer; Shai Deljo, Chief Operating Officer.   The company is based in San Mateo, California.  For more information, visit www.videosurf.com or www.videosurf.com/mobile.

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SOURCE Verizon Wireless